Monday, July 2, 2018

Heat Related Illness

Excessive heat is present this time of year. Be careful, the heat can lead to sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat strokes. Heat cramps can start in the legs or stomach. When these start a cooler area must be found. In the cooler area stretch the muscle out and take in plenty of fluids start with 1/2 glass water or 4 ozs. every 15 minutes.

Heat cramps are muscle spasms that are normally in legs or abdominal muscles. They often occur after physical activity. These cramps occur because of salt reduction due to sweating. If heat cramps do occur take some time to sit or lie down in the shade, enjoy a sports drink or cool water, stretch out affected muscles. Medical attention should be sought if the individual has history of heart problems or if the cramps do not get better in an hour.



Heat exhaustion often appears with cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, and / or all over weakness. A cooler place should be found. Tight clothing should be loosened a spray bottle with cool water should help here also a cool compress would be helpful. Small amounts of cold water should be offered Individuals that refuse water, vomit or start to black out should be sent to emergency room. Call 911 at once

Heat exhaustion left uncontrolled most often result in heat stroke. Quick action is needed. During moments of heat exhaustion:

  • move individuals to shaded or cooled areas
  • offer water or cool, nonalcoholic beverage to drink
  • a cool shower or applying wet towels should help




Heat strokes can be life threatening so quick action is needed. Signs of heat stroke include hot, dry red skin, moist skin may also be a sign. Blacking out, vomiting, high body temps are all signs of heat stroke as well. Altered mental status and hot skin are often present in heat stroke. Often seizures may happen as well. The local emergency number should be called at once. The individual should be taken to a cooler place, if possible wet down with cold water, or cover the individual with cold wet towels.

Heat strokes occur when the body can not sweat and the temperature of the body rises quickly. The body begins to cook the brain and vital organs when the body temp rises to dangerous levels in a quick period of time. Heat strokes are often fatal or long lasting damage to bod organs.

During a heat stroke do not:

  • offer aspirin or tylenol
  • offer anything to drink



Heat related illness can be avoided by limiting outdoor exposure on hot days. Using air conditioning is the best way to cool off. Drinking more water and avoiding alcohol will help to keep fluid level up. Wearing a hat with loose light clothing is a grand idea as well. Sweating will reduce salt in body so replace salt with fruit juice or sport drinks. 

The hottest part of the day occurs from 11 am to 3 pm so try to avoid doing outside activities during this time period. If you are outside remember to apply sunscreen to avoid sunburns and pace your activity so you do not exert your body. 

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22 comments:

  1. I had an episode once a long time ago when at Six Flags. Didn't know what was happening at the time, but now I'm much more informed.

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    1. it pays to stay informed I have had heat related illness in the past as well

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  2. My husband and I always remind friends and family to keep watch over the very young and the elderly when the weather gets too hot. With the proper precautions, heat stroke and other heat related illness can be avoided.

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    1. heat can affect us all but the most likely as you say are the oldest and youngest among us. I have seen young teenagers, middle age individuals and others struggle from heat related illness in the past as well You sound like a very good friend, watching over others

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  3. I have a hard time remembering to drink enough water. On hot days, I'm better about it but there is still room for improvement.

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    1. always for improvement for many of us but with the knowledge it is hopeful we will all get better

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  4. ugh they are the worse. I had heat stroke once it was awful

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    1. I had a mild heat stroke once and must agree it is awful thanks for stopping by and reading our post

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  5. Thanks for sharing these symptoms of heat related illness. We've had such hot weather in Toronto so it's good to be aware of how it occurs.

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    1. you are very welcome, I enjoy using my blog helping others, thanks for letting me know it was helpful

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  6. We've had spells of really hot weather so this is really useful information! Knowing the symptoms is key.

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    1. yes, early recognition is always important with anything health related thanks for your great comment

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  7. I think last week I suffered major headaches because of the heat. This post is super helpful and insightful.

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    1. headaches is one thing that always happens to many of my own family members when it was super hot. Be careful out there

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  8. When I lived in FL you heard about heat related sicknesses often. Crazy what the heat can do to some people!

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    1. We went to a camp in florida one time and I did see many kids and adults have illnesses related to heat I guess any where you live you have the good and the bad

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  9. I didn't realize they were called heat cramps. I now understand why I have been cramping after my workout.

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    1. yes that could be one very good reason, overworking in heat is something that can make one not feel good

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  10. I've suffered from heat related illness before and it is no joke! What a rough thing to go through. This is such a great way to spread awareness.

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    1. I believe using our blogs as our voice, our place on the www to share what we want to with others that we care about thanks for your visit

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  11. These are some great tips. This summer have been extremely hot. I'm hot blooded so I'm hot all the time. This summer heat doesn't help. I try to drink rehydrate drinks when needed.

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    1. thanks for sharing and yes, drinking to keep hydrated is one of the most important things to do

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